2012 ford explorer Model Overview

The Ford Explorer underwent some major changes last year. Completely reengineered and transformed from a traditional SUV to a car-based seven-passenger crossover, the 2012 Ford Explorer crossover enters its second model year with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 joining the naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V-6.

For those who aren’t in a hurry and want to eke out as much fuel as possible before filling up, the 2012 Explorer with the 2.0-liter EcoBoost four-cylinder engine – a new-to-the-U.S. engine – might be worth consideration. Available for a $990 premium over the standard 290-hp 3.5-liter V-6 with 255 lb-ft of torque, the 240-hp 2.0-liter I-4 has 270 lb-ft of torque and has been designed to deliver claimed best-in-class fuel economy on the EPA’s cycle. The only other additions for 2012 are new paint colors. The 2012 Explorer is now available in Ginger Ale Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl Metallic, Cinnamon Metallic, and Black.

The 2012 Explorer continues to offer standard seven-passenger seating this year. While the Explorer’s interior may look roomy, in our testing we discovered that looks can be deceiving, and that seating is rather tight for a seven-passenger crossover. The 2012 Explorer also comes loaded with tech like Sync, and MyFord Touch.

New for 2012 is the North American debut of Ford’s 2.0-liter EcoBoost engine under the hood of the Explorer. Available in front-wheel drive only, and for a $990 premium over the more powerful and slightly less fuel efficient V-6, the 240-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter I-4 nets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway. For 2012 Ford has also made new color options available. The new color choices are Ginger Ale Metallic, Dark Blue Pearl Metallic, Cinnamon Metallic, and Black.

The 2012 Explorer’s looks proved polarizing among the Motor Trend staff. A significant departure over the previous model, some staffers described it as pretty good-looking while others weren’t so kind, comparing it to a larger, frumpier Range Rover Evoque. Both the Explorer and Explorer XLT feature chrome grilles, while the top-trim Explorer Limited gets a body colored grille. Base Explorers also come with 17-inch steel wheels, while the Explorer XLT gets 17-inch alloy wheels, and Explorer Limited gets 20-inch alloy wheels.

While most staff members agree that the Explorer’s interior looks pleasant enough, we ultimately found that it could make better use of its interior space. In our First Test of an EcoBoost-equipped 2012 Explorer, we wrote, “It’s just such inefficient packaging…It looks roomy, but it’s not. It looks sporty, but it’s not. And the interior looks good, but that MyFord Touch is a mess.” We also found seating in the Explorer on the tight side, with both the second and third row likely to draw vocal complaints from teenagers. On the plus side, we did like the Explorer’s option power-folding third row that, with the hatch open, will fold 90 degrees backwards, proving a comfortable seat for tailgating.

Simply put: get the V-6. In our testing we found the 3.5-liter 290-hp V-6 to be adequate enough to squeeze through traffic, and merge onto busy freeways, although it could use a bit more torque. The Explorer XLT AWD model we tested took 7.9 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standstill. Though it may be adequate in a smaller, lighter vehicle, we found the four-cylinder EcoBoost in the Explorer we tested, to be “dynamically lifeless,” and, “woefully slow.” The 240-hp 2.0-liter I-4 took the Explorer from 0-60 mph in 9.2 seconds. We also found the Explorer to be rather lifeless in the bends, “Wallowy in the slalom and figure-eight with understeer being the flavor of choice.” Fuel economy didn’t prove to be the EcoBoost Explorer’s saving grace either. Because the EcoBoost engine is tasked with hauling around 4500 pounds, our observed fuel economy failed to match EPA estimates.

Safety may be one of the Explorer’s saving graces as it’s loaded with safety features. The 2012 Explorer comes standard with AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control and Curve Control. The Explorer also is features second-generation first-row airbags, side-seat airbags, and side curtain airbags. Optional on the Explorer are second-row inflatable rear belts. Packaged together with Ford’s Blind Spot Information System, the inflatable rear seat belts are designed to spread the impact of a collision across a broader area, reducing the pressure that a conventional seatbelt would cause.

2012 Ford Explorer Pricing

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price

$28,280

Certified Pre Owned Pricewhat is this?

$16,925

Certified Pre-Owned Price is the approximate price a consumer can expect to pay at a dealership for a used vehicle that has passed the manufacturer's certification process. This price applies only to vehicles covered under an automaker's CPO program, not to a dealership's own "certified" used price.

Recalls

If the interior door handle return spring is unseated, the door may unlatch in the event of a side impact crash, increasing the risk of personal injury.

Recall Date

2015-03-24

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Explorer vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the interior door handle return spring may unseat, resulting in interior door handle that does not return to the fully stowed position after actuation.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect all four of the interior door handles and either repair or replace them, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2015. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 15S11.

Units Affected

194484

Recall ID#14V286000 - STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Consequence

If the vehicle experiences a loss of power steering assist it will require extra steering effort at lower speeds, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.

Recall Date

2014-05-29

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain model year 2011-2013 Ford Explorer vehicles manufactured May 17, 2010, through February 28, 2012. The affected vehicles may experience an intermittent connection in the electric power steering gear, which can cause a loss of the motor position sensor signal resulting in a shut down of the power steering assist.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners, and dealers will update the Power Steering Control Module (PSCM) software, free of charge. If a vehicle shows a history of a loss of motor position sensor signal when the vehicle is brought in for the recall remedy, its steering rack assembly will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on July 23, 2014. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 14S06.

Units Affected

179027

Recall ID#14E001000 - STEERING

Consequence

The inability to steer the vehicle increases the risk of a crash.

Recall Date

2014-01-06

Description

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain replacement steering gears installed on model year 2011-2012 Explorers as service parts in September 2013 and January 2014. The affected gears may lock, preventing the driver from being able to steer the vehicle.

Remedy

Ford will notify owners and dealers will replace the suspect steering gears with new steering gears, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2014. Customers may contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Ford's number for this recall is 13S14.

2012 Ford Explorer News and Reviews

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